Longmeadow Priest Elected Dean of Buffalo, NY Cathedral

LONGMEADOW, MA – The Rev. R. Derrick Fetz, the Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Longmeadow, will serve as the next Dean of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Buffalo, NY (www.spcbuffalo.org) beginning in September. The Vestry, the top leadership body at the local level, unanimously elected Fetz after a series of interviews with prospective candidates conducted by an interview team.

After being asked to consider the opportunity, Fetz was drawn to the position because of the Cathedral’s commitment to making a difference in the daily lives of those who call Buffalo home, including the homeless and marginalized, its implementation of a variety of worship styles, its diversity among parishioners, its focus on inclusion and social justice, and its appreciation for choral music.

The Cathedral in many Episcopal dioceses serves as the mother church and spiritual center of the diocese, holding many worship services and other events on behalf of the diocese.

As a result, a dean of a cathedral works closely with the diocese’s bishop and her/his staff to plan and implement a variety of festivities, including major holiday services, ordinations, festivals, and lectures. In addition, the dean oversees the day-to-day life of the Cathedral, its staff, and its programs.

Fetz has served as the Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Longmeadow since April 2011.

During his tenure, he has worked collaboratively with parish leadership to broaden and deepen formation offerings for all ages, expand ministries, diversify worship offerings, build a number of programs and connections with area churches, non-Christian faith communities, and non-profits, and augment paid and unpaid leadership to strategically grow the parish.

All are invited to a farewell dinner sponsored by St. Andrew’s on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. To get an accurate count for food preparation, please contact the Parish Office at 413-567-5901 or admin@st-andrews-longmeadow.org if you plan to attend. A special reception will be held on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 11:15 a.m. following his last service at 10 a.m.

Fetz will take his passions to Buffalo. He is committed to interfaith and ecumenical relations, outreach directed to the poor and marginalized, racial reconciliation, LGBTQIA rights and inclusion, contemplative prayer, creative worship and entrepreneurial endeavors. He strives to live in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi as a Novice in the Third Order Society of St. Francis, a religious order recognized by The Episcopal Church and The Anglican Communion.

For the Diocese of Western MA, Derrick has served on Diocesan Council, the Bishop’s Innovation Team, the Cathedral Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield, Massachusetts and the Chair of New Missions.

Fetz is married to Jamie, an artist, musician, foodie, humor enthusiast, chocolate lover, world traveler, and massage therapist. Mari, their daughter, will be entering pre-K at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo.